Israel’s military has issued evacuation orders for more than 20 towns in south Lebanon as it continues its cross-border incursion and targets Hezbollah in Beirut. This brings the total number of towns under evacuation warnings to 70. Hezbollah has also carried out strikes on Israel, prompting concerns about potential oil supply disruptions and rising tensions in the Middle East.
President Joe Biden has discussed supporting Israel’s strikes on Iran’s oil facilities, but emphasized that nothing would happen immediately. Gulf Arab states have tried to remain neutral in the conflict between Israel and Iran to protect their oil facilities. Israel’s operations in Lebanon are aimed at allowing its citizens to return home after being evacuated due to Hezbollah bombardments during the conflict in Gaza.
The conflict has displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese, with nearly 2,000 people killed. The World Health Organization has reported that 28 healthcare workers were killed in Lebanon in one day. Hezbollah claims to have repelled Israeli land operations and killed Israeli military personnel, but the Israeli military has reported casualties as well.
The situation has escalated with rocket attacks on northern Israel and Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, resulting in casualties on both sides. Countries are evacuating their citizens from Beirut, and tensions are rising between Israel and Iran after Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will pay, while Iran has warned of a decisive response to any military attacks or terrorist acts. Qatar has called for a ceasefire to stop Israel’s aggression in the region.
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